Mrs. Ashley Gibson Selected as Imperial County Teacher of the Year
El Centro – Mrs. Ashley Gibson, a 5th-grade teacher at Cross Elementary School in the Imperial Unified School District, has been selected as the 2026 Imperial County Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Gibson has served as a 5th-grade teacher at Cross Elementary School since 2023, bringing 15 years of dedicated teaching experience and a strong commitment to student success.
“Mrs. Gibson exemplifies the very essence of our school’s guiding principle: Every Student—Every Day—Whatever It Takes,” shared Javier Ramos, Principal at Cross Elementary School. “Mrs. Gibson takes immense pride in doing what is best for every child at Cross Elementary and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that all students are supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed. Her approach is deliberate and student-centered, always grounded in an understanding of how her students learn best. Through her expertise, dedication, and collaborative spirit, Mrs. Gibson elevates both teaching and learning across our school and district. She is an outstanding role model both in and out of the classroom.”
“Relationships are the foundation of learning, and in my classroom, every student—regardless of where they begin—is valued, supported, and challenged to grow,” noted Mrs. Gibson. “I reflect and adjust my instruction to meet their needs, knowing when students feel seen and supported, they take risks and grow.” She added: “One of the most important aspects of education is helping students see themselves as capable, valued, and full of potential. Because long after the lessons are forgotten, what remains is whether a child felt seen, heard, and valued—and, when they do, everything else becomes possible!”
Beyond this local recognition, Mrs. Gibson will represent Imperial County as a nominee for the California Teacher of the Year program. Each year, the California Department of Education honors five educators who embody excellence in their fields. Selected in the Fall, the California Teachers of the Year serve as statewide ambassadors and representatives of the State for the upcoming year.
“Mrs. Gibson’s unwavering passion for teaching, innovative spirit, and commitment to professional growth are truly remarkable. We are honored to celebrate her as our 2026 Imperial County Teacher of the Year,” shared Dr. Todd Finnell, County Superintendent of Schools, “and we wish her the best of luck as she advances to the state-level selection process.”
Mrs. Gibson will be officially honored during the Imperial County Office of Education Board Meeting on May 11, 2026. Following this, the local chapter of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) will recognize her on Friday, May 15, as one of ACSA’s Teachers of the Year.